During his playing career, Batistuta was nicknamed Batigol and El Ángel Gabriel.
Batistuta began his professional career in Argentina; playing for Newell's Old Boys, River Plate and Boca Juniors.
In 1991, Gabriel caught the attention of Fiorentina whilst playing for Argentina in the Copa America. Gabriel made the move to Italy and scored 13 goals in his first season.
When Fiorentina were relegated to Serie B in 1993, Batistuta stayed with the club and helped them return to the top-flight league the next season.
Between 1991-2000, Gabriel scored 203 goals in 331 goals for Fiorentina. He won Serie B title, the Coppa Italia and Supercoppa Italiana with the club. He is still their all-time top scorer in Serie A with 151 goals
Gabriel became an icon in Florence; the Fiorentina fans erected a life-size bronze statue of him in 1996, in recognition of his performances for the club.
Gabriel moved to Roma in 2000, where his 21 goals in 35 appearances were pivotal in the club winning Serie A in his first season.
His international debut came in 1991, when he was selcted to play for Argentina in the Copa America. He finished the tournament as top scorer and led his county to victory. The following year, he won the Confederations Cup, finishing again as the tournament's top-scorer. During the 1993 Copa America final, Gabriel scored both goals in the 2-1 victory over Mexico.